That’s a wrap on our Minis Festival, with the Under 7s, Under 8s and Under 9s having their turn at Ballards Ash this weekend.
And while the youngest players were keeping things busy at home, our other Youth teams were out and about too... Here are their highlights.
Under 7s | Squad
This weeks player of the week is the whole team. We couldn’t pick one player out as everyone was fantastic.
This was our first competitive tournament with large loud crowds different refs and playing against different teams.
All the players were great all day. Gave 100% on the pitch and supported each other off it. One particular phase of play stood out in defence where we held our line continuously tagging the opposition then getting back behind the ball to tag again. The opposition eventually lost the ball. Well done under 7s!
Under 8s | Rex & Blake
The Under 8s had a blast at the festival today with teams from across Wiltshire enjoying unseasonably warm October weather.
Both Bassett squads put in strong performances, showing great teamwork and solid skills throughout their matches.
Rex earned RWB1 Coaches’ Player, while Blake picked up the RWB2 award - both recognised for their effort, attitude, and contribution on the pitch.
Under 9s | Adam, George, Rupert & Seb
On another wonderfully sunny day, we had a brilliant time at the mini rugby festival. After only three training sessions involving contact, the kids did amazingly well. There were crunching tackles, superb tries and lots of effort. The coaches were very proud of all our players.
The players of the week were Adam and George D. They scored brilliant tries but also led the way in defence, taking down many kids far bigger than they are #smallbutmighty.
Tackler of the week was Rupert, who really put himself about, and Seb was teammate of the week for leading the way in defence as well.
Under 6s | Jack
Jack's confidence is growing by leaps and bounds each week. He demonstrated fantastic listening skills and showed great determination during the game of Tag. Fantastic effort, Jack. Keep up the brilliant work!
Under 13s | Archie
Archie was the U13 player of the week. He was absolutely everywhere, making his trademark strong tackles, carrying with purpose and intent, controlling the scrum and winning every single battle - he was awesome and really led from the front.
Ravens Under 12s | Emmy
The girls were awesome today against a very well-drilled team. Loads of positives from the girls.
Emmy got Raven of the Week as she was everywhere for the whole game. She scored some great tries, made some try-saving tackles and did some lovely passing.
Ravens Under 14s | Freya & Darcy
Freya showed some brilliant sniping runs from 9, constantly spotting opportunities around the breakdown, combined with excellent decision-making throughout the game.
Darcey set the tone right from the start with her defensive effort. She put Melksham under pressure all afternoon and backed that up with some excellent runs with the ball.
Under 14s | Micah
A fantastic performance from Micah against a tough Winchester side. He made countless tackles, worked tirelessly at the ruck and broke the line with some powerful carries. Every time he had the ball in hand, he put the opposition on the back foot and was a constant threat.
To top it all off, Micah was also awarded the opposition’s Player of the Game — a brilliant recognition of just how outstanding his performance was. Outstanding effort, Micah. Well deserved
To top it all off, Micah was also awarded the opposition’s Player of the Game — a brilliant recognition of just how outstanding his performance was. Outstanding effort, Micah. Well deserved
Under 15s | Benjamin
The U15s had a “Friday night lights” game away at Chippenham. Bassett came away with a good win in a tough game.
The Chippenham players chose Benjamin as their player of the match for his carrying, passing and scrummaging.
Ravens U16s | Tyna & Kat
Our U16 Ravens travelled down the M4 to Chippenham this weekend. They started strong with good defence and nice supporting runs. The teams alternated tries for a bit before Chippenham started to creep ahead. However, the girls never gave up, never dropped their heads and scored another couple of tries to reduce the deficit.
The end resulted in the opposition winning by 1 try, but determination and resilience were the big winners today. Big shout-out to the Hungerford girls for helping us out.
Our player of the match was Tyna, for her strong runs and support. Opposition's choice was Kat for her demon tackling and line breaks.
Colts | Theo
RWBRFC Colts produced an excellent all-round performance to secure a convincing victory over Oldfield in the opening round of the National Cup.
Oldfield proved to be a very well-organised side and posed a genuine threat, but RWBRFC's defensive intensity and some crunching tackles put the visitors under sustained pressure. That pressure eventually told, forcing mistakes and allowing the Colts to take control of the contest.
There were some superb individual performances, backed up by excellent teamwork throughout. Strong running, accurate passing and committed defence combined to produce a performance the whole squad can be proud of.
Theo was outstanding once again, leading by example and earning a well-deserved Man of the Match award.
A brilliant result and a fantastic start to the National Cup!
Oldfield proved to be a very well-organised side and posed a genuine threat, but RWBRFC's defensive intensity and some crunching tackles put the visitors under sustained pressure. That pressure eventually told, forcing mistakes and allowing the Colts to take control of the contest.
There were some superb individual performances, backed up by excellent teamwork throughout. Strong running, accurate passing and committed defence combined to produce a performance the whole squad can be proud of.
Theo was outstanding once again, leading by example and earning a well-deserved Man of the Match award.
A brilliant result and a fantastic start to the National Cup!
Ravens U18s | Izzy
Royal Wootton Bassett U18 Girls put in a hugely committed and courageous performance against a strong Cheltenham North side, despite the 50-5 scoreline. With only 12 players available, several girls stepped into unfamiliar positions and showed tremendous resilience, battling hard from the first whistle to the last against a side able to make regular substitutions.
Player of the Week, Izzy T, was outstanding at the heart of the Bassett defence. She produced a phenomenal tackling display, making several crucial interventions when the try line was under pressure and stopping attacks that looked certain to result in points. Her work rate, bravery and determination set the tone for the team throughout the game.
Bassett continued to fight for every ball and were rewarded with a well-deserved try after some promising attacking play. Although Cheltenham North's strength at the breakdown and squad depth ultimately proved decisive, Bassett can take plenty of positives from the courage, teamwork and never-say-die attitude shown throughout a very demanding contest.
